It’s still National Library Week, and we’ve still got books on the brain.  So, here’s a few old and new favorites,  in no particular order.

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary, Ages 6+

Hometown favorite Beverly Cleary wrote over 30+ early reader chapter books depicting the childhood adventures of Ramona, Henry Huggins, Ralph S. Mouse and many others.  Your children will be instantly absorbed in Cleary’s world of imagination, innocent misadventure, and the sweetness of childhood.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers, Ages 4+

Oliver Jeffers is the current “it” children’s author and illustrator, and Lost and Found is our Megan’s favorite of his stories.  In this quirky tale of friendship and adventure, Jeffers teaches even the youngest readers that “if you love something, set it free.”

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Ages 11+

This classic French story is a perennial favorite for everyone from pre-teens to recent grads to adults and senior citizens.  The messages of imagination, friendship and home are as fresh today as when they were when originally written in 1943.

What are your favorite stories?

Have a weekend full of magical happenings!

-Child’s Play

As we mentioned yesterday, it’s National Library Week!  So, all week we’re celebrating all things reading and library related.  Today we’re talking accessories!

Mark My Time Bookmark, Ages 5+ $14.95

Need some extra reading light?  Check.
Need to track your reading time for school?  Check.
Need to keep track of what page you’re on?  Check.
This handy all-in-one bookmark, reading timer and booklight is like the swiss army knife for bibliophiles!

Woodland book-plates, $5.99

These woodland labels make perfect book-plates for all those favorites you might lend out.  The set includes 80 labels in assorted sizes.  Our favorite is the green label with a polka-dot mushroom.  Oh wait, no, it’s the aqua one with the magenta bird.  Oh, but maybe…you’ll just have to come see which one you like best!

Animal Cracker Boats via Pinterest

And, a snack is often nice with reading time.  Animal cracker boats anyone?

Have a snazzy day!

-Child’s Play

Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, Ages *+

A very cute short story about a lonely man who woos his downstairs neighbor by “helping her tortoise grow.” Alfie is Mrs. Silver’s beloved pet tortoise, but she is frustrated that in all the years she has cared for him, he has only gained 3 ounces in weight. She is concerned that being on the titchy small side will harm Alfie’s confidence. Mr. Hoppy comes up with a brilliant master plan to make Alfie magically grow to impress Mrs. Silver, but will it work?  Fun for ages 8+

Have a whimsical day!

-Child’s Play

The Great Chicken Caper by Andre & Amanda Maxwell, illus. by Jill Carter

Written by a local NW couple this book is based on the real life friendship of Crimson & Clover, two chickens and Sean Connery, a dog, who live with the authors in a little yellow house in Olympia, WA.  Crimson, Clover and Sean are excited to hear that three new chicks will be arriving in the mail.  Things go awry though when three raccoons intercept the mailman and steal the chicks!  Then the three friends spring into action to save the day.  Be sure to check out the first installment, The Chicken and the Dog!  Great for ages 4+

Have an interesting day (the good kind of interesting)!

-Child’s Play